br br Bacterial gastroenteritis is inflammation of the stomach and intestines caused by bacteria. br br Gastroenteritis is inflammation of the stomach and intestines. This can cause symptoms ranging from mild to severe. A virus, bacteria, or parasite can cause gastroenteritis. When it’s caused by a type of bacterium, it’s known as bacterial gastroenteritis. br br Gastroenteritis is very common. Bacterial gastroenteritis is less common than viral gastroenteritis. But it’s still a major health risk. This is because you can get dehydrated from vomiting andor diarrhea. br br Bacterial gastroenteritis has many causes, can range from mild to severe, and typically manifests with symptoms of vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort. It is usually self-limited, but improper management of an acute infection can lead to a protracted course. br br Bastroenteritis is inflammation of the lining of the stomach and small and large intestines. Most cases are infectious, although gastroenteritis may occur after ingestion of drugs and chemical toxins (eg, metals, plant substances). Acquisition may be foodborne, waterborne, or via person-to-person spread. In the US, an estimated 1 in 6 people contracts foodborne illness each year. Symptoms include anorexia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort. Diagnosis is clinical or by stool culture, although PCR and immunoassays are increasingly used. Treatment is symptomatic, although some parasitic and some bacterial infections require specific anti-infective therapy. br br Gastroenteritis is usually uncomfortable but self-limited. Electrolyte and fluid loss is usually little more than an inconvenience to an otherwise healthy adult but can be grave for people who are very young (see Dehydration in Children), elderly, or debilitated or who have serious concomitant illnesses. Worldwide, an estimated 1.5 million children die each year from infectious gastroenteritis; although high, this number represents one half to one quarter of previous mortality. Improvements in water sanitation in many parts of the world and the appropriate use of oral rehydration therapy for infants with diarrhea are likely responsible for this decrease. br br Complications br br Bacterial gastroenteritis infections rarely cause complications in healthy adults and usually last less than a week. Older adults or very young children are more vulnerable to symptoms of gastroenteritis and are at higher risk for complications. These individuals should be closely monitored, as they may need medical care. br br Complications of these infections include high fevers, muscle pain, and inability to control your bowel movements. Some bacterial infections can cause your kidneys to fail, bleeding in your intestinal tract, and anemia.